We were on hand for the press preview, and got an early look at the new sports cars, luxury rides, pickup trucks, and crazy concepts scattered throughout the Cobo Center.

For those heading to the Motor City to check out the show, we’ve picked out 17 cars you can’t miss, including Toyota’s over-the-top FT-1 concept, the new Corvette Z06, the first Cadillac ATS Coupe, and more.

Toyota blew the doors off with the surprise reveal of the FT-1. The Japanese automaker says the concept sports car “sets the pace for future design.”

Toyota

Porsche showed off the new 911 Targa 4 and 4S, powerful sports cars that start a bit over the $100,000 mark. Bonus points for the mesmerizing way the roof opens up.

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Named for the desert, the VW Dune Beetle is made for rough riding and has a built-in ski rack. If it ever goes into production, it would be the second coming of the Baja Bug, the late 1960s Beetle modified to go off-road.

Newspress USA

Volvo’s Concept XC Coupé is a sleek ride that will let customers “who love gravity sports…make it back in one piece.”

Newspress USA

A year after revealing the new Corvette Stingray, Chevy has followed up with the Corvette Z06. Under the hood is an all-new 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces an outrageous 625 horsepower (at a minimum).

Newspress USA

The Corvette C7.R race car also made a world debut. It will start competition at the 52nd Rolex 24 at Daytona later this month.

If you like the WRX and horsepower, you’ll love the 2015 WRX STI. Subaru made the special version more aerodynamic and gave it a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. In good news for enthusiasts, it comes with a manual transmission only.

Newspress USA

The new Ford F-150 isn’t the sleekest ride in Detroit, but it’s the most important. A perennial best-seller, the upgraded pickup truck comes with an aluminum body that cuts weight and improves fuel economy. But this is no weakling — Ford promises it’s the “toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever.”

Alex Davies / Business Insider

With a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine under the hood, the latest VW Golf R will be the most powerful version ever. Expect to see it on American roads starting in the first quarter of 2015.

Acura gave us our first look at the model that will replace the outgoing TL as the brand’s mid-size luxury sedan. The TLX offers a choice of a four- or six-cylinder engine, and Acura promises great fuel efficiency. We haven’t seen the inside yet, but the exterior looks good.

Newspress USA

Infiniti will do itself a favor if it turns the gorgeous Q50 Eau Rouge concept into a production car. With over 500 horsepower, it would give Nissan’s luxury brand a better shot at competing with big players like BMW and Mercedes.

Alex Davies / Business Insider

Lexus pulled the covers off the 2015 RC F performance coupe, a sleek rear-wheel driver with a V8 engine that generates over 450 horsepower. Our favorite bit is the huge, shiny spindle grille.

Alex Davies / Business Insider

News from BMW in Detroit was all about M, its line of higher-trim, more powerful vehicles. The M235i is an upgrade on the new 2 Series, and will go from 0 to 62 mph in just under 5 seconds.

Alex Davies / Business Insider

Cadillac showed us the 2015 ATS Coupe, a gorgeous two-door take on the sedan it introduced last year. It’s a lightweight powerhouse that will go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds, the luxury brand says.

Alex Davies / Business Insider

The electric Allroad Shooting Brake concept got Audi fans riled up when execs said it hints at the next-generation TT sports car.

Nissan teased the upcoming Maxima with the simply named Sport Sedan Concept. The automaker says the car signals a new design direction, giving every-day cars a sportier look. We’ll see how much of this styling makes it into production at the New York International Auto Show in a few months.

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I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.